Obituary: John R. Anthony (Porto Funeral Homes)

John R. Anthony, 85, formerly of Orange, CT, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at his home in Estero, Florida. He was the devoted husband of the late Rosemary DeBonis Anthony. John was born in New Haven on August 3, 1940 and grew up in the Spring Glen neighborhood of Hamden, CT son of the late Augustus P. and Alice Crane Anthony. After graduating from Hamden High School in 1958, he earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Norwich University, graduating as a second lieutenant, which led to service as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Sacramento, California where he met Rosemary. In 1964, John began his 33-year career in Human Resources at Schick in Milford, CT where he formed lifelong friendships and continued to organize retiree luncheons long after his retirement in 1997. In 2012, John purchased a home in Estero, Florida, where he lived during the winter months. He spent his summers at Lanphier Cove in Branford, CT, enjoying boating, fishing, bingo and visits with family and friends on his cottage patio. He was often accompanied by his beloved dog Mandy, a loyal companion who brightened his days. John was an avid gardener and enjoyed lobstering on Long Island Sound. John is survived by his daughter, Sharon Anthony Greco of Orange, CT; his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Shannon Anthony of Derry, New Hampshire; and his grandchildren, Bridget Anthony, Christopher Greco, Brendan Anthony and Olivia Greco. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Mark E. Greco.

Family and friends are invited to a parlor service in the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven on THURSDAY morning, April 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Orange Center Cemetery. Family and friends may call THURSDAY morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org. Sign John’s guest book online at portofuneralhomes.net.

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